Cheats (2002)

Cheats Poster

While other kids buy into countless hours of studying just so they can get a mark in some teacher's report book, Handsome Davis sees it as nothing more than a system of control over your mind. That's why Handsome and his three best friends Sammy, Victor and the cribsheet genius Applebee have banded together and found ways to cheat on their tests all through their school years.

Movie Introduction
"Cheats" is an American teen funny movie launched in 2002 directed by Andrew Gurland that efficiently highlights the mischief and persuasions high school students employ to pass their examinations. The plot centers on a group of high school students who aspire to outmaneuver the system, producing a humorous narrative that provides school unfaithful as an art mastered by its main characters.

Plot Summary
The movie follows the experiences of Handsome Davis (represented by Trevor Fehrman), Sammy Green (Wyatt Page), Victor Barone (Matthew Lawrence), and Jonathan Jacob "Applebee" Applebaum (Elden Henson). The foursome are well-known for their innovative unfaithful methods in their high school assessments. Their sophisticated cheating strategies encompass passing notes with a fishing line, intricate hand signals, spy-like equipment and other crafty methods, navigating around vigilant invigilators.

Nevertheless, their well-oiled cheating machine comes undone when they get caught during an important history exam, leading to Handsome, the group's ringleader, being expelled from the school, while Applebee, Victor, and Sammy are placed on probation. This puts their university ambitions at risk, forcing the pals to plan on how to pull off one last grand cheat to protect their college dreams.

Major Themes and Symbolism
"Cheats" highlights friendship, rebellion and the pursuit of aspiration as its significant styles, exploring complex connections between self-identity and group characteristics amid societal standards and expectations. The characters' close relationship sees them through their high-school mischief, underscoring the importance of loyalty and unity.

Likewise, the film presents an interesting point of view on the idea of 'cheating the system.' The primary characters hold the belief that unjust systems necessitate manipulative techniques to balance the formula. They view their unfaithful not as unethical but as an innovative way of leveling the playing field in their favor.

Performances and Reception
The performances from the movie's younger cast are good, especially Trevor Fehrman, who brings an intense mix of appeal and intelligence to his portrayal of Handsome. The vibrant in between the 4 core characters is believable and natural, rendering the movie relatable and pleasurable.

However, critics were less than enthusiastic about the film's attitude towards unfaithful, with some revealing concerns over its arguably laissez-faire attitude towards dishonesty and its ramifications for impressionable audiences. In spite of the debate, the film has because gotten cult status among certain demographics due to its eccentric humor and unique perspective.

The film carried out reasonably at package workplace, gaining more traction in the house video market. Today, it is often remembered for its special storyline and for presenting a complicated ethical quandary in a funny and light-hearted way.

In summary, "Cheats" is an engaging teenager comedy that uses its audience an amusing yet thought-provoking expedition of the lengths some trainees may go to get rid of an educational system they view as unfair. Regardless of its controversial stance on cheating and combined vital reception, the film remains attractive for its interesting plot and well-executed efficiencies that bring to life a special high school experience.

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